Information and Broadcasting Minister Calls for Immediate Response to Rumours

In this age of information technology, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has emphasised the need for a rapid, fact-based response to fake news, rumours and misinformation, to ensure the accurate, precise and responsible dissemination of information amidst the rapid flow of data. He stated that information is power, and the core responsibility of the information cadre is to properly manage and deliver this power to the people.

The Minister made these remarks on Thursday, March 5th, while addressing an Iftar gathering organised by the BCS Information Association at the Information Building in Dhaka, as the chief guest.

He further added that the technological elements required to meet the demand for information services among the public are insufficient within the government structure. "I notice this whenever I browse. Therefore, we must adapt quickly. For this reason, the Ministry of Information needs to be like a device where soft content and soft power of information must be installed."

Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that the skilled manpower of the information cadre should be fully activated, rather than remaining dormant or partially active. "Because we are now on the information highway. Therefore, misinformation and disinformation are major challenges for us. A strategic plan must be adopted to reconcile these challenges and goals. The ministry needs to be recalibrated to develop its built-in systems."

At the time, the Information Minister instructed the information cadre officials, as spokespersons for the government, to disseminate news of the government's significant commitments to every corner of the country.

Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Mahbuba Farzana, was present at the event as a special guest.

In addition, BCS information cadre officials, senior ministry officials and invited guests attended the Iftar gathering.

DBTech/IHI/MUM